Flexing Tool and Tool Head

ABSTRACT

A tool, an attachment head and a power tool system, each for working on contoured surfaces, are disclosed. The numerous embodiments of the designs are made possible through the use of flexible structures that exhibit a phenomenon known as the “fin ray” mechanism because it was first observed when studying the motion of fish. Similar to the fish fin, the working surface of the disclosed tools behave unexpectedly when a lateral force is applied: they do not bend away, but curve toward the applied force. Generally, each “fin ray” tool includes at two flexing sidewalls or members joined at their tips to form an acute triangle. A plurality of struts hold the members apart while allowing elastic movement. The curve of the working surface allows the tools to provide greater contact on contoured surfaces.

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application incorporates by reference and claims the filingpriority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/448,407, filed on Mar.2, 2011.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present devices relate to hand tools and power tool attachments.Particularly, the present devices relate to such hand tools, includingand power tool attachments which are used, for example, to brush, sand,clean, paint, cut, and otherwise work on contoured surfaces.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally speaking, tools have been credited with making human's liveseasier. Mundane everyday-type tasks such as cooking, cutting, eating,cleaning, fixing, and the like have become simpler because of the toolsnow made available for such tasks. However, few tools account for thefact that many work surfaces are curved to some degree.

For example, a normal vacuum cleaner attachment is great for floors, butnot as useful for couches and chairs. And, a sanding block works wonderson a flat piece of pine, but extra care would be needed using the sameblock on a wooden cornice. Specially designed attachments could be madefor these tasks, but as all curves are not uniform, multiple attachmentswould be required.

What is needed is a tool and tool attachment which has the ability to beused on flat surfaces as well as contoured surfaces. Further, the tooland tool attachment should be capable of use on many differentlycontoured surfaces to avoid the need for multiple devices. The presentdevice provides such a tool using a fin-ray structure.

A “fin ray” structure describes a mechanism which consists of awedge-shape formed from an acute triangle. The two longer sides of theacute triangle are flexible members while the short side is relativelyrigid. A plurality of rigid struts positioned within the triangle arepivotably connected to the flexible members. With the application offorce to a mid-portion of either of the flexible members causes the endsof that flexible member to deform—i.e., curve in the direction of theapplied force. When the object causing the load is a curved surface, thestructure will respond by deforming to substantially match the shape ofthis curved surface. This allows the structure to be used in a number ofnovel applications.

The present invention, using a fin ray structure, solves the problem oftools and tool attachments being unusable on flat and curved surfaces.By providing tool heads and tool attachments which are able to flexaround a contoured surface, the disclosed invention affords operatingadvantages over existing tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally speaking, the disclosed tool and tool attachment comprise aflexible frame formed into an acute triangle with rigid struts tomaintain spacing between two flexible sidewalls and a rigid memberattached at the triangle base.

In one embodiment of the attachment, a vacuum head comprises asubstantially triangular-shaped frame having first and second flexiblesidewalls, the second flexible sidewall having an opening definedtherein, a base sidewall either pivotably or flexibly connected to asecond end of the first flexible sidewall and a second end of the secondflexible sidewall, and elastomeric sidewalls extending between the firstand second flexible sidewalls to enclose a volume. A vacuum hoseconnector is attached by one end to the base sidewall and includes apassage defined there through which is aligned with the opening of thesecond flexible sidewall. A plurality of rigid struts pivotably orflexibly connect by their respective ends to each of the first andsecond flexible sidewalls. A force applied on either of the flexiblesidewalls causes the ends of such sidewalls to deflect toward the force.

In other embodiments, a connector pivot joint may be used to allow theconnector to pivot in the range of about 10 to about 90 degrees. Also, adispensing tube may be attached to the frame of the vacuum attachmentand, being in communication with a fluid source, dispense a cleaningsolution onto a surface before scrubbing and/or vacuuming the surface tofacilitate stain and odor removal, for example.

In another embodiment of the disclosed form, a two-sided hand tool foruse on contoured surfaces is described. Generally speaking, the toolcomprises a first flexible member, a second flexible member connected atone end to a first end of the first flexible member, a base memberattached at a second end of each the first and second flexible members,and a plurality of rigid struts either pivotably or flexibly connectedby their respective ends to each of the first and second flexiblemembers, wherein the first and second members form a triangle with eachof the rigid struts. As with previous embodiments, the application of aforce on either of the flexible members causes the ends of such membersto deflect toward the force.

The tool may comprise a handle connected to the base member tofacilitate use. While the components are separate for most contemplatedmanufactures, it may be desirable to mold the first and second flexiblemembers, the base member, the rigid struts and the handle as a singlepiece. As such flexibility could be controlled by reinforcing desiredrigid components, or through narrowing desired flexible components. Theuse of multiple materials may also be effective for flexibility andrigidity control.

The hand tool may be made for a specific purpose, e.g., sanding,rasping, painting, or the like, or alternatively, the tool may be madeuniversal with an ability to be customized for a specific purpose.Accordingly, the tool may comprise a sanding surface, a lint brushsurface, a painting surface, or the like attached to at least one ofeither the first flexible member and the second flexible member.

In still other embodiments, the tool may comprise a connector fixed tothe base member for attachment to a powered system. The powered systemmay include, for example, an electric sander, a vacuum source, or an airsource for discharging material through the attached tool.

In another embodiment, a vacuum system is described comprising a vacuumsource having an inlet for suction and an outlet for blowing, a vacuumhose attachable to one of either the inlet and the outlet, and a vacuumhead attached to a free end of the vacuum hose. The vacuum head ispreferably comprised of a first flexible sidewall, a second flexiblesidewall connected at one end to the first flexible sidewall and forminga substantially acute angle there between, the second flexible sidewallhaving an opening defined therein, a base sidewall connected to a secondend of the first flexible sidewall and a second end of the secondflexible sidewall, elastomeric sidewalls extending between the first andsecond flexible sidewalls to enclose a volume, and a vacuum hoseconnector attached by one end to the base sidewall and having a passagedefined there through which is aligned with the opening of the secondflexible sidewall, and a plurality of rigid struts pivotably or flexiblyconnected by their respective ends to each of the first and secondflexible sidewalls, wherein the first and second sidewalls form atriangle with each of the rigid struts. Again, application of a force onat least one of either of the flexible sidewalls causes the ends of suchsidewalls to deflect toward the force.

These and other aspects of the invention may be understood more readilyfrom the following description and the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject mattersought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, whenconsidered in connection with the following description, the subjectmatter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and manyof its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

FIGS. 1-7 are various side views showing a general form of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a partial close up showing one form of a flexible hinge usedin accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 9-12 are various views of embodiments for attaching rigid struts;

FIGS. 13-33 are various views of embodiments of a vacuum attachment inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 34-40 are various views of another embodiment of a vacuumattachment in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 41 a-b illustrate an embodiment of a pad attachment feature whichmay be used on any of the various vacuum attachments;

FIGS. 42 a-b illustrate an embodiment of the vacuum attachment having asteaming feature for deep cleaning purposes;

FIGS. 43-52 are various views of an embodiment of a sander attachment inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 53-58 are various views of an embodiment of a sander tool inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 59-60 are side views of an embodiment of a fabric tool inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 61-62 are side views of an embodiment of a painting tool inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 63-64 are side views of an embodiment of a painting tool inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 65 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a universal tool witha sleeve covering;

FIGS. 66-69 are various views of an embodiment of a hand rasping tool inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 70-74 are various views of an embodiment of a hand sanding tool inaccordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 75-78 are various views of another embodiment of a hand raspingtool in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many differentforms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understandingthat the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification ofthe principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broadaspect of the invention to embodiments illustrated.

Specifically, numerical descriptions (e.g., as to size, quantity, etc.)and material compositions (e.g., plastics, wood, metals, etc.) are notto be taken in any way as fixed limitations on the scope of theinvention unless clearly stated as such. The invention is primarilydescribed in the following text and drawings with regard to embodimentas a flexible tool or flexible attachment head for a tool. However, thedisclosed devices can be implemented in innumerable ways and forms,including varying sizes, shapes, dimensions, and materials. Thoseskilled in the art would certainly understand and realize that suchalternative features, dimensions and configurations, though notspecifically set forth, are captured within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1-78, there is illustrated embodiments of a tool,tool head, or tool attachment (hereafter “tool”) generally designated byx10, where “x” is a number 1-11 helping to distinguish several of therepresentative embodiments. Other components of the tool x10 aresimilarly consistently numbered in the following detailed discussion andin the appended drawing figures.

With reference to FIGS. 1-8, general aspects of the tool 10 areillustrated. The tool 10 has a flexible frame 12 comprised of two sidemembers 14 connected at a first end 16 and diverging toward a second end18 where a rigid frame member 20 bridges the two side members 14. Aplurality of rigid struts 22 of various lengths also bridge the twoflexible side members 14 attaching via multi-piece pivoting joints 26. Ahandle 24 (or connector 30) of most any particular design may beattached to the rigid frame member 20 to allow gripping by a user (orattachment to a tool).

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the rigid struts 22 are connected to the twoflexible side members 14 by pivoting joints 26 using, for example, hingepins or the like. The rigid frame member 20 may be fixed at both ends(FIGS. 1-2), fixed at one end (FIGS. 3-4), or pivoted at both ends(FIGS. 5-6). Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, small flexiblejoints 27 can be used for the tool 10 in place of the multi-piecepivoting joints 26. These joints 27 may be readily formed from thinregions of material. This configuration allows for a low cost tool 10that can be molded as a single component from a suitable flexibleplastic such as polypropylene or nylon. If necessary, structuralreinforcement (not shown) can be applied to the rigid struts 22 andrigid member 20. Though not shown, the rigid frame member 20 may also beconnected by a flexible joint 27 at one or both ends.

FIGS. 2, 4 and 6 illustrate the flexing of tool 10 across a curvedsurface. Clearly, the use of a free joint (i.e., not fixed) at the lowerend of the rigid frame member 20 (FIGS. 4 and 6) allows greatercurvature of the tool 10 at the endpoint over the fixed joint embodiment(FIG. 2). The use of a free joint at the upper end of the rigid framemember 20 (FIG. 6) is only slightly more flexing than the fixed upperend (FIG. 4). Other factors which may affect the curve of the flexibleside members 14 include the length of the members 14, the flexibility ofthe members 14, and the length of the rigid struts 22.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate alternate embodiments for securing the rigidstruts 22. In FIG. 9 the struts 22 resemble small two-rung ladders whichsnap into clips 23 in the inside surfaces of flexible members 14. FIG.10 illustrates struts 22 which have alternately bent ends fixed to theinside surfaces of the flexible members 14. The embodiment of FIGS. 11and 12 utilize a thin connection 27 for each end of the struts 22.Further, this embodiment is also a single molded part, where the handle24, flexible members 14, and struts 22 are all unitary. The flexibilityand rigidity of the components can be controlled by the use ofstructural ribs, material thickness, reinforcement of features, or otherknown techniques.

Modern vacuum heads are traditionally rigid plastic components made ofinjection molded polypropylene or ABS plastic. These heads are verysuitable for use on floor carpet, which is flat, but are not as suitablefor use on upholstery or any other surface which has varying degrees ofcurvature. The following embodiments of a vacuum attachment tool 10 usethe “fin ray” mechanism so that the vacuum head will deform in responseto pressure applied by the vacuum user. As a result, the contact surfaceof the head will self-adjust to the profile of the piece being vacuumed.This flexing allows the head to retain a high-degree of suction whilecovering a greater portion of the fabric compared to a similar sizedrigid vacuum head attachment.

Referring now to FIGS. 13-42, embodiments of a vacuum head attachmentare illustrated. FIGS. 13-31 illustrate embodiments of a tool 110 and210 having a pivoting connector 130, while the tool 310 of FIGS. 34-40has a fixed connector. In each embodiment, the tool 110, 210 and 310attaches to a vacuum hose (not shown) via the connector 130, and directsthe suction to the base 36 which is able to flex as previouslydescribed. The vacuum source may include most any type of householdvacuum, but may also include a wet vac, a shop vac, a steam cleaner (seeFIGS. 42 a-b), carpet/upholstery cleaner, and the like.

With modifications, the vacuum heads 110, 210 and 310 could be used forejecting a spray of cleaning solution onto the surface to be cleaned.Also, other modifications would allow the vacuum heads 110, 210 and 310to be used with, for example, sand-blasting machines, material handlingdevices and similar devices. FIGS. 42 a-b also illustrate generalfeatures of a discharge-type device (a steamer, as shown) which one ofskill in the art would be able to easily modify with greater structuralintegrity which would allow the head to be used in sand-blastingoperations. Similar to the steamer attachment, a sand-blastingattachment would follow contours of a work-piece during blasting.Likewise, a material handling head (not shown) made with the “fin ray”mechanism would allow a handler to suction grip a flat or contouredsurface without changing heads.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 13-21, 32 and 33, the vacuum attachment 110is comprised of the pivoting connector 130 and a flexible head 132. Theconnector 130 is a tube suitable for attachment at one end to a vacuumhose and connects to the head 32 by a connector joint 34 at the otherend. A locking mechanism (not shown) may be provided on the connectorjoint 34 to prevent pivoting during use, if desired.

The flexible head 132 is a substantially hollow form closed on threesides by an elastomeric frame 112 and open on the bottom (FIG. 15) toprovide a suction opening. The elastomeric frame 112 is preferably madefrom a molded thermoplastic elastomer material, but other flexiblematerials may also be suitable. The sides 38 of the flexible head 132extend from the top frame member 114 a to the bottom frame member 114 band include recess details 40 which allow the elastomer to flex moreeasily. The flexible head 132 also has pivoting rigid struts 122connected at each end, via pins 42, to bridge between the top framemember 114 a and the bottom frame members 114 b. The end of theconnector 130 is open within the hollow of the flexible head 132 nearthe connector pivot 34 to create a fluid pathway from the open bottom,through the connector 130, and into the vacuum hose (not shown).

In FIGS. 22-31 the vacuum attachment 210 is very similar to that ofFIGS. 13-21. For example, the vacuum attachment 210 has a pivotingconnector 230 attached to the flexible head 232, which is comprised ofan elastomeric frame 112. However, instead of pivoting rigid struts, theattachment 210 includes struts 222 molded into the flexible elastomer.Further, the struts 222 have a thin flexible region 223 (see FIG. 31) atthe attachment point to the two frame members 214 to allow flexibility.Recess detail 40 in the elastomeric material also facilitatesflexibility.

As illustrated in FIGS. 41 a-b, the vacuum attachment 110 (or 210, 310)may allow addition of a separate device such as, for example, a bristlepad 39. The bristle pad 39 is comprised of numerous bristles, plastic,metal or elastomer, to help loosen material to be taken up by thevacuum. The bristle pad 39 would be useful on, for example, deepercarpet piles, pet grooming, car interiors, and similar applications.Other possible pad types might include (not shown) a dusting pad, ahardwood floor pad, an applicator pad for leathers, metals, or othermaterial, and a scrubbing/scouring pad for wet-vac use. These pads maybe temporarily adhered to the vacuum attachment 110 by use of clips,snaps, VELCRO®, or the like.

Referring now to FIGS. 34-40, a third embodiment of the tool, vacuumattachment tool 310, can be more readily understood. The connector 330is fixed at an angle to an outer structure 312 having an opened baseportion 314 and a spine 316. The angle of the connector 330 may vary ondifferent tools based on the intended use of the attachment 310. Ahollow elastomeric inner structure 313 having an open base fits withinthe outer structure 312, as shown, to cover the opening in the baseportion 314 and allow transfer of suction from the vacuum hose (notshown) through the connector 330. A second opening 315 in the innerstructure 313 aligns with the connector 330 to provide the necessaryfluid pathway. Rigid rib-like struts 322 attach at pivot points 323 onthe base 314 and to the flexible spine 316 of the outer structure 312.Finally, a flexible contact surface 348 may be adhered to the bottom ofthe base 314.

In an alternate design not shown, the elastomeric material of the innerstructure 313 can be over-molded or bonded onto the flexible frame ofthe outer structure 312. Ideally, the elastomeric material would beconstructed from a flexible plastic material such as polypropylene, ABSor Nylon.

Another flexing tool head attachment, the detail sander tool attachment410, is shown in FIGS. 43-52. Detail sanders come with a wide range ofattachments for sanding different shapes and areas. When sanding a smallcurved surface, a balusters on a stair railing, for example, it is verydifficult to use a detail sander to effectively remove material. Thisdifficulty is due, in part, to the limited space available to allowsuitable placement of the sanding head component and, in part, to thecurved profile of the surface.

The sander 50 used with the present invention may be corded orbattery-operated, and preferably has an attachment slot (not shown) onthe underside surface 52 for securing sanding heads attachments. In thepresent design, a T-bar 54 on the rigid connector 430 connects theattachment 410 to a corresponding opening on the sander 50.

As shown in FIGS. 43-52, the sanding attachment 410 is comprised of therigid connector 430 coupled to a flexible head 432. The head 432 has aflexible frame 412 having a top member 414 a and a bottom member 414 bwith rigid struts 422 bridging between the members. Joint pins 442 areused to connect the struts 422 and the rigid connector 430. Sandpaper ofthe desired grit can be adhered in some known manner to the surface ofthe bottom member 414 b.

Another sanding tool 510 is shown in FIGS. 53-58. In this embodiment,the sanding tool 510 has the ability to sand a surface from either sideof the attachment 510. A number of different sander configurations canbe used on different types of sanding power tools. The type of tool andhead used depends on the type of surface being sanded and the degree ofcurvature of the surface. Presently, the tool power source is shown tobe an electric sander 550 (AC or DC powered) with a rotatable neck 551.A reciprocating rod 553 extends from the neck 551 to attach to a rigidend 520 of the sanding attachment 510.

The sanding tool attachment 510 is comprised of a flexible frame 512forming a substantially acute triangle. The frame 512 may be formed froma single, continuous wall, as shown, connected to the rigid end 520, orit may be formed of two separate sides connected to one another and tothe rigid end 520. In either case, a plurality of rigid struts 522 spanthe interior of the frame 512 with pivoting joints 526 connecting eachstrut 522 to the frame 512.

FIG. 58 illustrates an advantage to having a sanding tool 510 capable offlexing in two directions.

FIGS. 59-78 illustrate multiple embodiments of a hand-tool employing the“fin ray” mechanism. The hand-tools described and illustrated arecomprised of a handle 24 directly attached to the flexible head 32. Thehand-tools are distinguished from one another based on the compositionof the attached flexing work surface—e.g., foam, bristles, sandpaper,etc.—and whether it is a one-sided or two-sided tool.

Current fabric brushes that are used to remove lint, pet hair, and thelike are typically rigid brushes where one or both sides are coveredwith a velvet like material containing many short bristles that flattenwhen used in one direction and raise when used in the oppositedirection. These miniature bristles catch the lint and allow for itseffective removal. Such brushes work well on planar surfaces but are notvery efficient on curved surfaces, such as the sleeve of a coat or thearm of cloth-covered furniture.

The fabric brush 610 of FIGS. 59-60 is comprised of a flexible frame 612forming a substantially acute triangle. The frame 612 may be formed froma single, continuous sidewall, as shown, connected to the rigid end 620,or it may be formed of two separate sides connected to one another andto the rigid end 620. In either case, a plurality of rigid struts 622span the interior of the frame 612 with pivoting joints 626 connectingeach strut 622 to the frame 612. The fabric brush 610 is double-sidedand will deform to the shape of the surface being brushed. This allowsfor a much higher degree of efficiency in removing lint, therebyreducing the number of brush strokes needed.

Foam paint brushes are typically made from a handle attached to a pieceof flexible material with foam material bonded to its surface. In use,the standard foam brush will deflect away from the object being brushed.However, as shown in FIGS. 61 and 62, the double-sided painting tool 710uses the “fin ray” mechanism to allow the brush to deform in eitherdirection and in a manner which matches the shape of the surface beingpainted. This allows the user to more efficiently paint curved surfacesin tight spaces and hard to reach areas.

When hand-sanding curved surfaces, users typically use flexible foamsanding blocks which can be tiring to use for an extended period.Sanding tools with ergonomic handles are typically flat or have apredefined fixed curvature. As shown in FIGS. 63 and 64, the sandingtool 810 is double-sided and uses the “fin ray” mechanism to allow theworking surface to deform to the shape of the surface being sanded. Thisfeature allows the sanding tool 810 to be used for sanding curvedsurfaces in tight spaces and hard to reach areas.

A “universal” tool 810 a is illustrated in FIG. 65. In this embodiment,the tool 810 a is over-fitted with a sleeve 11 of working material, suchas sandpaper, lint brush cloth, painting foam, or the like. Such sleeves11 could be disposable and/or machine washable. A single tool could beused for many applications by merely changing the outer sleeve 11.

Rasps are commonly used to remove material on curved surfaces of wood,foam, body filler, and the like. Because a rasp is typically a longrigid tool, the material removal only occurs at the point where the flatrasping surface makes contact with the curved surface. However, FIGS.66-69 illustrate a double-sided rasp tool 910 using the “fin ray”mechanism to deform the rasping surface more closely to the curvedsurface, thereby allowing for more efficient removal of material. Unlikeprior embodiments where the material of the working surface (e.g., foam,sandpaper, etc.) is adhered to the flexing tool surface, the rasp uses aflexing metal rasp 912 as the frame of the tool head 910.

FIGS. 70-74 show different views of a large hand sanding tool 1010 thatcan be used for sanding larger curved surfaces, such as the hull of asmall boat. The single-sided tool 1010 can also be used with a drywallscreen material in place of sandpaper for sanding surfaces such ascurved plaster on a column. The tool 1010 is comprised of a rigid handle1024 which attaches to or extends from a rigid end 1020, and a flexiblehead 1032. The flexible head 1032 includes a large base surface 1014with an attached flexible spine 1016 and a plurality of rigid struts1022 and pins 1042 to keep the desired spacing. Separate pins 1043 areused to connect the flexible head 1032 to the rigid end 1020.

Finally, a large single-sided rasping tool 1110 is illustrated in FIGS.75-78. The rasping tool 1110 is comprised of a handle 1124 attached to aflexible tool head 1132. The tool head 1132 is comprised of a flexibleplastic side 1114 and a flexible metal rasp side 1116 (a materialsimilar to that of the smaller two-sided rasp 910 described above). Dueto the greater relative length of this tool 1110 compared to other toolsof this invention, the number of rigid struts 1122 used to bridge thetwo frame members 1114 may be increased.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, arepossible examples of implementations merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles for the invention. Many variations andmodifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of theinvention without substantially departing from the spirit and principlesof the invention. All such modifications are intended to be includedherein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention,and protected by the following claims.

1. A vacuum head or attachment comprising: a substantiallytriangular-shaped frame having: a first flexible sidewall, a secondflexible sidewall connected at one end to the first flexible sidewalland forming a substantially acute angle there between, the secondflexible sidewall having an opening defined therein, a base sidewallconnected to a second end of the first flexible sidewall and a secondend of the second flexible sidewall, elastomeric sidewalls extendingbetween the first and second flexible sidewalls to enclose a volume, anda vacuum hose connector attached by one end to the base sidewall andhaving a passage defined there through which is aligned with the openingof the second flexible sidewall, a plurality of rigid struts pivotablyor flexibly connected by their respective ends to each of the first andsecond flexible sidewalls, wherein the first and second sidewalls form atriangle with each of the rigid struts; wherein application of a forceon at least one of either of the flexible sidewalls causes the ends ofsuch sidewalls to deflect toward the force.
 2. The vacuum head orattachment of claim 1, wherein the base sidewall is pivotably connectedto at least one of either the first flexible sidewall and the secondflexible sidewall.
 3. The vacuum head or attachment of claim 1, whereinthe base sidewall is flexibly connected to at least one of either thefirst flexible sidewall and the second flexible sidewall.
 4. The vacuumhead or attachment of claim 1, further comprising a connector pivotjoint which allows the connector to pivot in the range of about 10 toabout 90 degrees.
 5. The vacuum head or attachment of claim 1, furthercomprising a dispensing tube attached to the frame and having an end forcommunicating with a fluid source.
 6. A vacuum system comprising: avacuum source having an inlet for suction and an outlet for blowing; avacuum hose attachable to one of either the inlet and the outlet; and avacuum head attached to a free end of the vacuum hose and comprising: afirst flexible sidewall, a second flexible sidewall connected at one endto the first flexible sidewall and forming a substantially acute anglethere between, the second flexible sidewall having an opening definedtherein, a base sidewall connected to a second end of the first flexiblesidewall and a second end of the second flexible sidewall, elastomericsidewalls extending between the first and second flexible sidewalls toenclose a volume, and a vacuum hose connector attached by one end to thebase sidewall and having a passage defined there through which isaligned with the opening of the second flexible sidewall, and aplurality of rigid struts pivotably or flexibly connected by theirrespective ends to each of the first and second flexible sidewalls,wherein the first and second sidewalls form a triangle with each of therigid struts; wherein application of a force on at least one of eitherof the flexible sidewalls causes the ends of such sidewalls to deflecttoward the force.
 7. The vacuum head or attachment of claim 1, whereinthe base sidewall is pivotably connected to at least one of either thefirst flexible sidewall and the second flexible sidewall.
 8. The vacuumhead or attachment of claim 1, wherein the base sidewall is flexiblyconnected to at least one of either the first flexible sidewall and thesecond flexible sidewall.
 9. The vacuum head or attachment of claim 1,further comprising a connector pivot joint which allows the connector topivot in the range of about 10 to about 90 degrees.
 10. A hand tool foruse on contoured surfaces, the tool comprising: a first flexible member;a second flexible member connected at one end to a first end of thefirst flexible member; a base member attached at a second end of eachthe first and second flexible members; and a plurality of rigid strutseither pivotably or flexibly connected by their respective ends to eachof the first and second flexible members, wherein the first and secondmembers form a triangle with each of the rigid struts; whereinapplication of a force on either of the flexible members causes the endsof such members to deflect toward the force.
 11. The tool of claim 10,further comprising a handle connected to the base member.
 12. The toolof claim 11, wherein the first and second flexible members, the basemember, the rigid struts and the handle are molded as a single piece.13. The tool of claim 10, wherein the rigid struts are pivotablyconnected to each of the flexible members.
 14. The tool of claim 13,wherein the rigid struts snap connect to the flexible members.
 15. Thetool of claim 13, wherein the rigid struts are connected by hinge pinsto the flexible members.
 16. The tool of claim 10, wherein the rigidstruts are flexibly connected to the flexible members via a livinghinge.
 17. The tool of claim 10, further comprising a sanding surfaceattached to at least one of either the first flexible member and thesecond flexible member.
 18. The tool of claim 10, further comprising alint brush surface attached to at least one of either the first flexiblemember and the second flexible member.
 19. The tool of claim 10, furthercomprising a painting surface attached to at least one of either thefirst flexible member and the second flexible member.
 20. The tool ofclaim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second flexible membersis comprised of a rasping surface.
 21. The tool of claim 10, furthercomprising a connector fixed to the base member for attachment to apowered system.
 22. The tool of claim 21, wherein the powered system isan electric sander.
 23. The tool of claim 21, wherein the powered systemis a vacuum source.
 24. The tool of claim 21, wherein the powered systemis an air source for discharging material through the attached tool. 25.A discharging head or attachment comprising: a substantiallytriangular-shaped frame having: a first flexible sidewall, a secondflexible sidewall connected at one end to the first flexible sidewalland forming a substantially acute angle there between, the secondflexible sidewall having an opening defined therein, a base sidewallconnected to a second end of the first flexible sidewall and a secondend of the second flexible sidewall, elastomeric sidewalls extendingbetween the first and second flexible sidewalls to enclose a volume, anda hose connector attached by one end to the base sidewall and having apassage defined there through which is aligned with the opening of thesecond flexible sidewall, a plurality of rigid struts pivotably orflexibly connected by their respective ends to each of the first andsecond flexible sidewalls, wherein the first and second sidewalls form atriangle with each of the rigid struts; wherein application of a forceon at least one of either of the flexible sidewalls causes the ends ofsuch sidewalls to deflect toward the force.
 26. The discharging head ofclaim 25, wherein the head is for sand-blasting.
 27. The discharginghead of claim 25, wherein the head is for emitting a vapor.
 28. Thedischarging head of claim 25, wherein the head is for discharging steam.